Holy Child Academy of Old Westbury, NY

Early Childhood Center

ECC StudentsOur Early Childhood programs offer a joyful place of learning, exploration, and wonder for children in Toddler, Nursery, & Pre-K. We cultivate a nurturing and loving environment where every child is seen and valued as an individual. The spark of learning and friendship that begins with our youngest students continues throughout their years of schooling and beyond. Rooted in a foundation of faith and spirituality, we strive to foster a sense of purpose and connection in each child, guiding their growth with compassion and care.

We believe strongly in the value of cultivating a true partnership with families. In addition to formal curriculum nights and conferences with teachers, we emphasize family engagement and communication by sharing pictures of our days, providing weekly newsletters, inviting families to classroom events & celebrations, and individually connecting with families to share updates & progress about their children throughout the year.

HCA ToddlersToddler

Our Toddler Program is a supportive, fun, and enriching introduction to school. At Holy Child Academy, we believe in hands-on learning and the power of play in every child’s development.

  • Children learn to express themselves and work together through free play and thematic units that include stories, sing-a-longs, and art projects.
     
  • Through a careful balance of open play and structured activities, our approach honors each child’s interests and unique development.
     
  • During their busy mornings of play and discovery, children develop social skills like listening and expressing ideas and make connections with others in a supportive and safe environment.
     
  • Students engage in activities that introduce colors, shapes, counting, numbers, and letters.
     
  • Our Toddlers enjoy enrichment classes throughout the week that include library, music, movement and daily outdoor play. They also love visiting our HCA chickens to collect fresh eggs!
     
  • This program is available up to five mornings a week for children who are 2 years old by Oct. 1st .

 

NurseryNursery

Our Nursery students enter the classroom ready to explore, play, learn and make new friends! Children develop skills to share, take turns, and work with others through meaningful play opportunities. Our interdisciplinary approach to learning invites children to develop a range of skills within engaging, hands-on and child-centered thematic units.

  • Children strengthen their connections with peers and cooperative listening skills through daily circle time, projects, movement and songs, and exploration of literacy and math concepts.
     
  • Nursery students explore, use their imaginations, and test ideas through open-ended play centers like block building, dress-up, arts and crafts, the transportation station, and more!
     
  • We provide activities that support the development of fine and gross motor skills while cultivating greater independence.
     
  • Children strengthen their understanding of number concepts, patterns, shapes, size, and sorting.
     
  • Students continue to explore the world of literature and storytelling. They also develop letter and sound recognition with a focus on uppercase letters and name writing.
     
  • Our Nursery students enjoy enrichment classes including library story time, music, physical education, and daily outdoor play including visits to our HCA chicken coop!
     
  • Half and full day sessions are available for children who are 3 years old by October 1st and fully potty-trained.

Pre-Kindergarten

Our Pre-K classrooms inspire curiosity, connection, and joyful learning through child-directed play, hands-on exploration, and structured learning.  Our interdisciplinary approach to curriculum design and teaching supports the personal development of every child while building a strong academic foundation in literacy, math, and science that ensures a successful transition to kindergarten.  Our skilled educators spark imagination and help children see themselves as unique individuals within a supportive, kind, and loving community of learners.

  • Our Pre-K students engage in open-ended play opportunities like block building, arts & crafts, dramatic play, science exploration, outdoor play, and more! 
     
  • Thematic units guide the curriculum and enable students to interact with new concepts in engaging and authentic ways. Each unit incorporates literature, math, science, art, and social studies concepts.
     
  • Children explore a range of literature during interactive read alouds and shared reading.  These activities encourage students to listen and talk about texts, make connections to big ideas, enhance vocabulary, develop concepts of print, and discover the magic of literature!
     
  • Students continue to develop phonemic awareness and phonics skills through songs, rhyming, and games. Our research-based Fundations curriculum provides a formal introduction to letters and their sounds as children learn to recognize and write letters within a print-rich environment.
     
  • Math concepts like sorting, comparing, patterning, counting, and problem solving are introduced and reinforced through hands-on challenges, games, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
     
  • Pre-K students enjoy weekly enrichment classes including language (Spanish, French, & Italian), physical education, music, and library story time.
     
  • Our Pre-K program meets 5-days a week and is available for half and full day sessions for children who are 4 years old by October 1st.